Driving during the holidays is more dangerous in most other times of the year. While Thanksgiving has already passed, Christmas and New Years are approaching. Unfortunately, this is a time when there are more alcohol-impaired drivers on the roadway.
Looking at statistics from the state Department of Public Safety, we can look at which Holidays in South Carolina see the most roadway fatalities.
The deadliest holidays nationally coincide with our state
Collectively, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years make up the time when there are the most DUI arrests in this country. This coincides with information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says that there is two to three times the number of alcohol-related crashes between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any other point throughout the year. According to the South Carolina DPS, the latest reporting year of data showed the following number of deaths for these holidays:
- Thanksgiving: 12 fatalities
- Christmas: 7 fatalities
- New Years: 5 fatalities (which was a dramatic decrease from the previous year)
These are not the only dangerous holidays when it comes to drunk driving accidents in the state and across the country. These holidays saw the following traffic fatality numbers in SC during the latest reporting year:
- Memorial Day: 13 fatalities
- Fourth of July: 14 fatalities
- Labor Day: 6 fatalities
Drunk driving is a major concern in South Carolina
Each year in SC, drunk driving incidents are the cause of approximately 30% of all traffic crash deaths. The total number of fatalities is just one facet of concern. Many thousands are injured in drunk driving crashes and are left dealing with the consequences. It is not uncommon for our Greenville car accident attorneys to help clients suffering from the following:
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
Each of these incidents can lead to major medical expenses, along with other costs, for victims.
Seek help after a DUI crash
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you should seek legal assistance immediately. The Dan Pruitt Law Firm is dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. You can contact our Greenville car accident attorneys for a free consultation of your case today.